Introducing New Cherry Varieties for the 2026 Season: Shalunya, Újfehértói, and Igrushka

19 Feb

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Introducing New Cherry Varieties for the 2026 Season: Shalunya, Újfehértói, and Igrushka

The orchard of 2026 can be even more productive thanks to advancements in Eastern European and Hungarian breeding. For our upcoming selection, we are preparing three varieties that blur the lines between traditional sour cherries and sweet cherries. Meet a Ukrainian industrial star, a world-renowned Hungarian legend, and a hybrid that impresses with fruits weighing nearly 9 grams.

“When selecting sour cherries today, growers primarily look for two things: self-fertility and resistance to Monilia. Varieties like Újfehértói and Shalunya not only meet these criteria but also add a level of flavor quality that makes them excellent for both fresh consumption and processing.”

Let’s take a detailed look at these three fascinating varieties in terms of their origin, cultivation requirements, and fruit quality.

1. Shalunya: A Ukrainian Treasure with Dessert Quality

The 'Shalunya' (Шалунья) variety comes from the M. F. Sidorenko Institute of Irrigated Horticulture in Ukraine. It is an outstanding hybrid between a sour and sweet cherry (Duke cherry), which has earned the status of one of the leading commercial varieties in its home country.

Health Status Champion

Shalunya stands out for its high resistance to Monilia and leaf spot (cherry leaf spot), the most common diseases affecting sour cherries. With its frost-hardy wood and flowers that resist late spring frosts, it is a highly reliable choice for variable climates.

Taste: Dessert-like, sweet-tart, and exceptionally refreshing (rating 4.8/5).
Tree: Grows quickly, reaching a height of about 4 m, and forms a spreading spherical crown.
Yield: 10-year-old trees yield 30 to 40 kg of fruit, with the first harvest appearing as early as the 3rd or 4th year.

Growing Tip: It is cross-pollinated, so to ensure a harvest, it is essential to plant another sour cherry variety nearby as a pollinator.

2. Újfehértói: A Hungarian Legend of Global Renown

Hailing from Hungary (the town of Újfehértó), the 'Újfehértói fürtös' variety has gained popularity worldwide and became a hit in the USA under the trade name 'Balaton'. It is one of the most adaptable sour cherries on the market.

Why is it so popular?

Its main asset is extraordinary ecological adaptability. It thrives on various soil types, including sandy soils rich in humus where other varieties struggle. Furthermore, it is fully self-fertile, which saves space in the garden.

Fruit: Medium to large (5 g), dark burgundy-red color with firm and juicy flesh.
Harvest: Ripens gradually from late June to early July, and the fruits do not drop upon maturity.
Use: It is the queen of compotes and jams, though its fruits are excellent fresh due to their balanced flavor. In Hungary, it is the primary base for the world-famous "Újfehértói meggypálinka" (spirit).

3. Igrushka: A Giant Among Duke Cherries

The hybrid variety 'Igrushka' (Игрушка) is another successful cross-breed from Ukraine. it combines the vigor of the 'Lyubskaya' sour cherry with the sweetness of the 'Solnechny shar' sweet cherry.

Extreme Fruit Size

Igrushka produces fruits with an average weight of 8.5 g, placing it at the top of large-fruited hybrids. The flesh is dark red, tender, and highly praised for its flavor.

Yield: It is a record-breaker – mature trees can produce up to 72.1 kg of fruit under ideal conditions.
Growth: A strong and vigorous tree with densely foliated, highly decorative crown.
Resistance: Excellent tolerance to drought and many fungal diseases.

Note: The fruits tend to drop after ripening, so timely harvesting is required. Flower buds are more sensitive to extreme frosts, so choosing a sheltered spot is recommended.

Quick Variety Comparison

Feature	Shalunya	Újfehértói	Igrushka
Type	Duke Cherry (Hybrid)	Sour Cherry (Balaton)	Duke Cherry (Hybrid)
Pollination	Cross-pollinated	Self-fertile	Cross-pollinated
Fruit Weight	5 – 8 g	5 g	8.5 g
Max. Yield	Approx. 40 kg	Abundant & stable	Up to 72 kg

Conclusion

The novelties for 2026 confirm that modern varieties can successfully combine tree health with massive, flavorful fruits. Whether you bet on Shalunya for its dessert quality, choose Újfehértói for its low maintenance, or prefer the gigantic Igrushka, your orchard will gain a new level of quality.